Medical Lab Technician

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. Now, and for the future.

Program / Department Summary Tuberculosis (TB) persists as a major public health problem worldwide, including Pakistan. The country ranks 5th among the 30 high TB burden countries. Each year more than half a million people develop TB in the country with more than one-third remain undiagnosed/un-notified to the National TB Control Program (NTP). TB incidence rate is almost static at 270 per 100,000 of the population since 1990. TB is curable with appropriate drug regimens yet about 60,000 TB patients die every year, among whom, more than half are women and children. Mercy Corps has been the principal recipient of Global Funds Grants for TB Control activities in the private sector since 2010 under Round 6 & 9, consolidated grant, Single Stream of Funding (SSF) mechanism followed by New Funding Mechanism. Mercy Corps is now into a new grant agreement with the Global Fund under the New Funding Request which is effective from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2020.  

General Position Summary

The incumbent will be responsible for screening TB patients during the chest camps held at assigned districts. These camps will organize with the help of mobile-screening van in accordance with the Operational Guidelines. The incumbent will work in close coordination with medical imaging technician in mobile-screening van. The overall job responsibility is to identify the presumptive TB cases and perform the Xpert test. Preparing detailed report of each mobile screening camp and submit it to the ACF Coordinator. S/he will support and coordinate with the District Filed Supervisors (DFSs) for the site selection of mobile- screening camps.

The incumbent will maintain a positive working relationship within the team and with the district health authorities of project districts.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• The incumbent should have full time presence at the mobile-screening camp for providing Xpert test services to beneficiaries coming to the camp. Duty Timing will be from start of the travel to the chest camp till the parking of the van at destination.

• The incumbent will be working 6 days a week and will be moving from one district to another to conduct screening camps for TB patients.
• Taking sputum samples from the presumptive TB cases identified through camps instruct the patient how to provide a good quality sputum sample.
• Prepare sputum samples for Gene Xpert test as per SOPs.
• Maintain the temperature of sputum samples and cartridges as per national guidelines.
• Ensure daily, weekly and monthly maintenance of Gene Xpert machine.
• Follow SOPs for regularly checking equipment for malfunction/errors and immediate reporting.
• Ensure that calibration of Gene Xpert machine done well on time.
• Keep the equipment neat and clean and avoid dust entry by proper covering the equipment after camp.
• Ensure the safety and security of the Gene Xpert machine and its accessories.
• Inform the District Field supervisors about the results of Xpert test and ensure the registration of B+ve patients.
• Prepare monthly statistical record of the screened, presumptive and positive TB case and submit to the ACF Coordinator
• Attending training on handling of Gene Xpert machine.
• Attend TB DOTS training of paramedics provided according to the National Guidelines
• Perform other required tasks assigned by the supervisor.

Security

·       Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.

·       Proactively ensure that team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies.

Organizational Learning 

·       As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

Accountability to Beneficiaries

·       Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

·       Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

Supervisory Responsibility

N/A

Accountability

Reports Directly To: Program Officer / Senior Technical Officer (ACF)

Works Directly With: In close coordination with the Regional Coordinator, Program Officer, Senior Technical Officer, Medical Imaging Technician and the District Field Supervisor   

Knowledge and Experience

Candidates with Diploma in medical laboratory technician or F.Sc. in medical laboratory technology from a recognized institute, having 3 years’ experience of working in clinical /microbiology laboratory. Additional qualifications such as Diploma or Certification in IT/computer skills will be an added advantage.    

Experience of working in TB laboratory will be an asset. Knowledge about bio-safety in TB laboratory is desired. Fluency in written and spoken English, Urdu and Sindhi